Monday, January 11, 2010

Help!

"How can I help you?" she asked.And because I'm tired and bit overwhelmed, I swallowed my natural instinct to give my usual respond, "Nothing. I'm fine.""Well, would you mind watching the boys while I run to Trader Joe's? I usually take them, but it makes it take so much longer and I end up having to find the hidden stuffed animals so they can get a lollipop. Maybe you could get them to pick up their toys while you're hanging out, just put them in the bins in the living room, nothing fancy. And my fridge hasn't been cleared out in a while. I'm sure it isn't too bad, but there are probably a few things in there that need to be pitched. And the dishwasher needs to be unloaded. Forget that. If you're at the house, dive on into Mt. Washed. You don't need to put it away, just put the folded stuff on the bed and I'll put it away later. You have no idea how helpful that would be."She didn't immediately respond, so I continued. I mean, I've been told if someone asks to help, you should take them up on it. They mean it or they wouldn't offer, right?"Could you take the dogs for a walk? Mr. Dog usually does it when he gets home, but if he's late I have to juggle the dogs and kids once I get home and it's a little overwhelming. Oh, and they might be out of food. Could you run to Mud Bay Granary and grab a bag of the Chicken formula Canidae? And if you're in the mood, I'm sure there are some errant dog poops in the yard that need to be picked up. There are bags in the kitchen under the sink. But double bag before you pitch them in the trash can, the garbage people ask that. If you have time, there are a bunch of bags in my bedroom along the wall that need to be run to Goodwill. Feel free to go through them and take anything you want before you drop them off. There's some good stuff in there. And while you're out, if it isn't too much to ask, could you drop my new boots at the shoe repair? They need to be stretched just a bit before I can wear them, and I really want to wear them. They're adorable."I paused. And she spoke again, "Ma'am, this is Starbucks, please place your order, for coffee, then pull forward to pay at the window."Oops.

In April of 2005, my husband and I packed up our two dogs and toddler and moved to Seattle from the San Francisco Bay area. Shortly after our move, I became pregnant with our second child. As exciting as this was, it definitely put a cramp in my ability to explore our new home town. I'm still working hard at adjusting to the new digs.
As a working mom to two small boys, I manage to keep pretty busy. Between business meetings, play dates and pediatrician appointments, there isn't much time left for personal pursuits. But that is a trade off I am willing to make. I'll find time for myself when the boys are old enough to borrow the car, right?
And as though that isn't enough, when we moved we bought our first house, a major fixer upper. Yeah, we wanted the "this Old House" experience, but little did I realize that it would lead to such great experiences, like the sudden loss of running water from a broken water main, or a leaky sewer pipe that kept the toilet off limits for days.
All I can say is that life sure is interesting!